Weather in Cairns

Cairns, in Far North Queensland, experiences hot and humid summers and mild, dry winters. The average annual maximum temperature is 29°C (84.2°F), with 62% humidity. Plan ahead with our information on temperature and rainfall.

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Weather in Cairns

Find information on temperature, rainfall and seasonal activities to help plan your holiday in Cairns.

What is the weather like in Cairns?

Cairns, in Far North Queensland, experiences hot and humid summers and mild, dry winters. The average annual maximum temperature is 29°C (84.2°F), with 62% humidity. Plan ahead with our information on temperature and rainfall.

Summer (December – February)
During summer in Cairns, average temperatures range from 23.6 - 31.4°C (74.5 - 88.5°F). The wet season begins building up around December, and most of the region's annual rainfall (around 2000mm / 78.7") occurs in the summer months.

Autumn (March – May)
It is still very warm in autumn, both day and night, with temperatures averaging between 21.5 - 29°C (70.7 - 84.2°F). The rain subsides from April, however the weather can be windy until August. Prevailing south easterly winds continue until approx. October.

Spring (September – November)
In spring average temperatures range from 20.5 – 29°C (68.9 - 84.2°F). This is the end of the dry season when humidity starts to build with the onset of the wet season from December. In November the reef comes alive with the annual coral spawning.

Frequently Asked Questions about the weather in Cairns

Does Cairns observe daylight saving time?
Daylight saving is not observed in Queensland.The time zone in Queensland is Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), UTC +10.

What time is sunrise and sunset in Cairns?
December experiences the longest hours of daylight with sunrise at approximately 5:40am and sunset at 6:45pm. June has the least hours of daylight with sunrise at approximately 6:45am and sunset at 5:50pm.

When is the stinger season?
Stinger season or jellyfish season is generally between November and May in Cairns and Port Douglas. From November it is sensible to wear stinger suits in the water, as box jellyfish and Irukandji (the smallest of the box jellyfish family) can be deadly. Beaches are also lined with stinger nets. Out on the Great Barrier Reef the risk of marine stingers is low, however stinger suits are recommended and available for hire on tour boats.

What is the sea temperature in Cairns?
In summer, the average sea temperature at Cairns’ northern beaches ranges from 28.9 - 29.4°C (84 – 84.9°F), dipping slightly in winter to 23.8- 24.5°C (74.8 – 76.1°F).

What is the Ultraviolet (UV) Index Forecast?
Visitors to Cairns should look out for the UV index in local weather reports, which describes the daily solar UV radiation intensity. Protect yourself from sunburn by using SPF30+ sunscreen, which is readily available throughout Australia at supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies, and wearing sun-smart clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.

Seasonal weather in Cairns

SUMMER

Dec

Jan

Feb

Maximum tempºC | ºF

31.489

31.489

31.288

Minimum tempºC | ºF

23.474

23.775

23.875

Average hours of sunshine daily

Avg rainfall mm

178.8

395.3

450.6

Avg rainy days

10.7

15.6

16.4

AUTUMN

Mar

Apr

May

Maximum tempºC | ºF

30.687

29.285

27.682

Minimum tempºC | ºF

23.174

21.671

19.968

Average hours of sunshine daily

Avg rainfall mm

427.7

196.5

90.2

Avg rainy days

16.2

14.8

10.3

WINTER

Jun

Jul

Aug

Maximum tempºC | ºF

2679

25.778

26.680

Minimum tempºC | ºF

17.864

17.163

17.463

Average hours of sunshine daily

Avg rainfall mm

45.5

29.3

27

Avg rainy days

6.8

5.4

4.9

SPRING

Sep

Oct

Nov

Maximum tempºC | ºF

28.183

29.585

30.687

Minimum tempºC | ºF

18.766

20.669

22.372

Average hours of sunshine daily

Avg rainfall mm

33.7

46.6

93.8

Avg rainy days

4.9

5.6

8

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Take a look at what’s happening in and around Cairns

More holiday ideas

Leap from Cairns into the World Heritage wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Relax in the resorts of Port Douglas and Mission Beach or on Lizard Island. Take the old railway to Kuranda, or follow the Great Tropical Drive to white water rivers and the Atherton Tablelands. Head north to Cape Tribulation or take the Savannah Way for an outback journey.

From Brisbane, visit Moreton Island, Surfers Paradise, and Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. Head inland for Outback Queensland or north for World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, Bundaberg's natural attractions, and Mackay, a gateway to the idyllic Whitsundays. In Queensland's tropical north, Townsville, Cairns, Port Douglas and Mission Beach line the coast along the Great Barrier Reef, up to the Daintree Rainforest.

Cairns is the energetic heartbeat of Tropical North Queensland: modern, stylish and a renowned lure for sun seekers. It’s the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, a World Heritage site cited as one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Whatever your pace, you’ll have no trouble filling your days in Cairns.

Want to make your friends jealous this winter? Tell them you're going to North Queensland, and casually mention the balmy weather, palm trees and swimmable seas. Snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef, set sail in the Whitsundays and trek back in time in the primeval Daintree Rainforest. Drive the Savannah Way to the remote Gulf Savannah. This tropical paradise is truly at its best from June to September, when the temperature averages 25 degrees Celsius and the turquoise waters are stinger free.

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